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Galway Preview: Maskoon a Topaz gem

| 29.07.2014
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Trainer Kevin Prendergast has a good record with his recent runners in the Topaz Mile, and Maskoon looks capable of further enhancing it in a wide open renewal of the 1m handicap at Galway today (6.40).

The three-year-old ran very well on handicap debut when third to the progressive Table Rock in a 16-runner contest at the Curragh, keeping on well to be beaten just two lengths.

The form of that race has worked out well, with the now 110-rated winner going on to follow-up in Listed company at Nemarket, and the sixth home Hi Emporer winning next time up at the Curragh.

Maskoon also finsihed 3 3/4 lengths in front of today’s favourite Defining Year who came ninth, and should be able to confirm the placings on just 2lb worse terms.

Other pluses are that the son of Aqlaam had a good draw to exploit in stall seven, and the services of Chris Hayes in the saddle who has a good record in the race.

In the Latin Quarter Chase (5.35), Domination is well suited by the race conditions and looks a worthy favourite to land the spoils.

The Charles Byrnes trained gelding has been in top form on the level, winning the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting last month before finishing a highly creditable third in the Listed Coral Marathon at Sandown .

The seven-year-old was then not knocked about when runner-up to Alechi Inois at in a novice chase at Killarney a fortnight ago on his first outing over fences since since March, and looks to have been laid out for this by his shrewd handler.

Domination also gets the cheek pieces replaced by a visor for this assignment, and the son of Motivator receives weight fromn the vast majority of his rivals despite being the officially highest rated in the line-up.

Takeyourcapoff was a massive eye-catcher last time out and can take advantage of what could well be a lenient mark to land the 2m handicap (7.10).

The nine-year-old has shown marked improvement over hurdles since joining Gordon Elliott, and ran really well when returned to the level in a 1m 6f contest at Bellewston earlier in the month.

The daughter of King’s Theatre finished strongly from a hopeless position well off the pace to come a four length third of 14 to Lindenhurst, leaving the distinct impression that today’s extra two furlongs will be right up her street.

Takeyourcapoff also now gets the services in the saddle of Joseph O’Brien in the saddle having been partnered by a 7lb claimer at Bellewstown, and her current mark of 79 looks exploitable judged on the improved form she has shown over the sticks.

Selections:
5.05: Rich Coast
5.35: Domination (NB)
6.05: Chinese Light
6.40: Maskoon (NAP)
7.10: Takeyourcapoff
7.45: Six Silver Lane
8.15: Antique Platinum

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Author

David Metcalf

A lifelong Manchester United supporter, David has over 25 years’ experience in the media industry having worked for regional and national newspapers. He is a huge horse racing, football and greyhound fan and has done interviews on various radio and TV stations, including talkSPORT and Sky Sports, whilst working as a PR front man for a betting firm. David has also written for most of the top Premier League football fan websites, and produced a Cheltenham Festival guide with former eight-times champion national hunt jockey Peter Scudamore, MBE, after helping him to set up a syndicate for his trainer son Michael.